Jewelry Box
Handcarved Jewelry Boxes Women Must Own: Rare Zebrawood in Wood Inlay
Women are fascinated by handcarved wooden jewelry boxes and these boxes are especially popular with those who collect a lot of jewelry. One of the kinds of wooden jewelry boxes women love is the box that is adorned with art work like for instance, marquetry. Marquetry uses several different types of rare and exotic wood from all over the world.
The breathtaking colors and patterns of the Zebrawood makes it an ideal choice for marquetry. Marquetry is an ancient art of decorating the lid and exterior of a jewelry box which add to its charm. The veneer and burl of various types of rare wood are intricately inlaid to get evocative designs and patterns.
Zebras cavorting in the wild, drinking water at streams, grazing peacefully in herds, are images that we see quite often on National Geographic. On the other hand, Zebrawood, is not something that can be found easily. Gabon, the Congo, and Cameroon in Central Africa are the few homesteads of this exotic wood. It gets its unusual name from the striking resemblance it bears to the dark stripes on the zebra.
Zebrawood is of the Microberlina brazzavillensis species and is also called as Amouk, Allenele, African Zebrawood, and Zingana. This tree is mostly found on riverbanks and its diameter can range from 48 to 60 inches.
Its heartwood reveals an extremely pale golden hue with thin very dark black and dark brown stripes. The sapwood is also pale in color and overall it has a very coarse feel. The wood is susceptible to insects as it is highly resistant to treatment with preservatives.
It is very difficult to cut or carve this wood as its grains are interlocked tightly and very closely defined. However, it is a very beautiful wood that reveals exciting colors and patterns when quartersawn. When the wood is cut, it gives out a weird smell and it also does not dry out easily.
Extra care has to be taken when handling the Zebrawood veneer as it is quite fragile. But, it can be worked easily with hand and power tools. A belt sander will give it a very smooth machine finish.
A jewelry box decorated with Zebrawood marquetry exudes charm and class at a reasonable price, making it the ideal gift for the woman in your life.
This article was brought to you by MarqART Gift Shop. Our jewelry boxes are original works of art, no two creations are the same. Each wood shown has its own unique wood grain pattern and color. MarqART comes from combining the words marquetry (wood inlay) + Art (a creation of beauty) an apt name for our products. A fine addition to your dressing table or as a gift. Please visit http://www.marqartgiftshop.com to browse & buy exotic jewelry boxes that will give you a lifetime of pleasure!
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